Pesticide Training announced

Pesticide Training announced

Guam EPA and GHRA partner to provide training opportunity and help community come into compliance with new Pesticide Regulations

The Guam Environmental Protection Agency (Guam EPA) and the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association (GHRA) will offer workshops to train industry employees to prepare for compliance with Public Law 30-197. This public law approved Guam’s updated Pesticide Regulations and will go into effect Oct. 1, 2011.

The first trainings will be two “Train the Trainer” (TTT) courses. The courses will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 12 and 13 and again on Sept. 14 and 15. The second training set will be Basic Training (A) sessions. There are four sessions available. The Basic Training will be from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 19 with additional sessions from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sept. 20, 21 and 22.

All businesses that are interested in having a staff member attend the TTT are encouraged to attend these course as it is uncertain when this type of training will be offered again.

Candidates for the TTT program must provide two letters of recommendation from a former or current supervisor or individual. For more information about the requirements and qualifications of those making recommendations, contact GHRA at 649-1447.

To pass the TTT course, candidates must attend a 16-hour training program. Individuals must also pass the applicable exam. Those who successfully complete the course and exam will have a three-year qualification to train housekeeping or other industry pesticide applicators.

The Guam Pesticide Act is 30 years old and was recently revised. The new Act requires applicants who are paid housekeeping workers that apply general use antibacterial, antimicrobials, antifungal, disinfectants and other pesticides as part of their occupational duties to attend the four-hour Basic Training. After the course and an exam, individuals that pass will receive a qualification to use these products outlined in the law.